From reading posts all over The Boneyard today, I realize that this is supposed to be gloom and doom time for a fanbase that has been encouraged to believe that our favorite team is predestined to win a National Championship each and every year. At the risk of getting folks more riled up than they already appear to be, I’m seeing some positive signs, even in areas that are currently drawing the most vociferous complaints, and even from the Freshman players, Ania in particular. Disagree with my thoughts, as you inevitably will, but please don’t get angry with me for trying to inject a note of positivity on what appears to be Prozac Thursday!
I remember a time when even notoriously impatient UConn fans understood that Freshman players, newly-inducted into Geno’s demanding system, would be unlikely instant contributors to the team’s success…so much to learn, such a leap from their prior levels of competition. Now, in Ania’s case, I will grant that, given her international experience, she might be considered something of an exception to the normal Freshman profile. Well, I would contend that she is an exception, irrespective of her relative youth, and of her current shooting funk. The latter factor bothers me the least. As anyone who’s played much basketball knows, shooting is all about confidence…when it’s running high, one is “shocked” by any shot, from any distance, that fails to fall. When it’s low, and especially when it’s perilously low, one’s expectations decline accordingly. Hers is shot right now, unsurprising for a Freshman trying with all her might to make a meaningful contribution and to live up to expectations.
On the other hand, I’ve seen very few Freshman players exhibit the court awareness and vision that she has, which provides her the opportunity to make a real contribution while awaiting a restoration of confidence in her shooting. Because that confidence, at this point, is woefully low, and because her passing ability remains high, she has a tendency to pass up scoring opportunities and execute one pass too many, but she knows way better than most Freshmen how and where to find open teammates, and that bodes well for her future success. Combine that with the fact that she has a big body for a guard, and is a pretty competent ball-handler, all of which encourages me to envision a high ceiling for her.
Just you wait, Husky fans…’tain’t all gloom ‘n doom, I promise!
